Category: Entertainment

Fred Rogers Productions has been awarded a PNC Foundation grant to support Alma’s Way, its newest PBS KIDS series, through PNC Grow Up Great, the multi-year, bilingual early childhood education initiative that helps children from birth through age 5 develop a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime. The $1.3 million grant from PNC Foundation to Fred Rogers Productions supports the development of Alma’s Way engagement activities as well as ongoing support for “Be My Neighbor Days,” the signature community outreach initiative for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, has partnered with Tencent Video and animation studio Miaow’s House as the exclusive worldwide distributor outside of mainland China of the new animated series, Pet Hotel (26×11’). Produced by Tencent Video and Miaow’s House, Pet Hotel is aimed at kids aged 7–9 and follows the hilarious antics of Lili the dog, Bubu the guinea pig and cats Nai Nai and Vicky as they welcome new animal friends to their home at the Pet Hotel. Unlike other hotels, the Pet Hotel—which has been converted from an old grocery store—is filled with high-tech inventions created by the pets’ caregiver and hotel owner, Robin—from massage tables to automatic feeders! The animal buddies and their young owner face various quirky customers and their wacky pets every day, giving rise to numerous entertaining stories.

Based on the #1 Kids’ podcast throughout Europe, Children’s and Family Entertainment mega-hit maker and producer Kenn Viselman, known for some of the most ground-breaking children’s TV series of all time (including Thomas the Tank Engine, Teletubbies and nearly 50 others) has teamed up with Luigi Latini, founder of Meteo Expert, the premier meteorology center in Europe, and Adventure2Learning, the preeminent provider of video into classrooms,  to create “The MeteoHeroes’ Adventures Podcast Series.” This trail-blazing all-inclusive podcast is being hosted by Brianna Colson a 24 year old on the autism spectrum, a self-proclaimed MeteoHeroes uber-super fan and is the first phase of a massive climate education initiative and will be offered free to schools across America.

Trolley, beloved by generations of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood fans, is coming down the tracks for the very first time as a real, moving vehicle character in the new Donkey Hodie Season 2– one that Donkey and her friends can climb aboard! Five new episodes will debut on PBS KIDS beginning August 14 (and streaming for free), introducing the reimagined Trolley, whose distinctive “dings” were created with the exact same celeste (a small piano-like instrument) used in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood! 

MGA Entertainment, Inc. (MGA), one of the largest and fastest-growing privately held toy and entertainment companies in the world, in collaboration with Europe’s leading manufacturer of nurturing dolls, Zapf Creation AG, is thrilled to announce the first-ever original animated series from beloved brand, BABY born. BABY born is the nurturing doll brand that parents trust and kids love, inspiring giggles, hugs, and cuddles for children of all ages and stages. The wholesome, inclusive, and premium-quality dolls and playsets encourage empathy and a world of imagination — with a little touch of magic and surprise. Now, after 32 successful years in the market and an astounding 26 million dolls sold worldwide, BABY born is taking a monumental leap forward by introducing an all-new touch point for fans and families to engage with the brand via an animated series.

Arushi Garg, 38-year-old social media creator and mom from Houston, was named the champion of Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge Season 1! Garg takes home an extra $50,000 and her design is now a die-cast toy exclusively available for purchase on Mattel Creations, Mattel’s collector and direct-to-consumer platform. Fans can buy this made-to-order die-cast during the pre-sale window from Aug. 8-Sept. 4. In the two-part finale, Garg was given the iconic 1996 Nissan Skyline to transform into a life-size Hot Wheels showstopper. The car, dubbed “Rally Resilience” by Arushi, is a bright red creation with 24-inch wheels, extended fenders and beaming light bars representing power, bravery, kindness and courage. Adding to its uniqueness is the affirmation “never quit,” which is transcribed on the car and can be seen under UV light.

WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, has inked a new distribution agreement with Roku, which will see the popular kids’ shows Tata & Kuma and Princess Mirror-Belle launch on The Roku Channel in the US this year. The shows join additional WildBrain shows already available on the free ad-supported streaming service, including Summer Memories, Dorg Van Dango and Spongo, Fuzz and Jalapeña.

Invisible Universe, the team behind breakout animated hit Qai Qai, inspired by Serena Williams’ daughter Olympia’s favorite doll, is expanding the hit franchise with a brand-new show, Dance with Qai Qai.  The new series comes as Qai Qai, which debuted on YouTube in January, has reached more than 32 million YouTube views, with an additional 1.5 billion views on her other social channels.  Dance with Qai Qai is now available on YouTube.  The first episode can…